On Bantam Broodiness

[davidchickens]

BYC members,
I hope I put this in the right place! We are really looking into getting normal production layers (production red or austrolorps) and normal meat chickens. However, we are also considering getting a small flock of bantams (silkies or OEGBs) for the purpose of brooding. Here is my question. If I just don't bother collecting these very broody breed's eggs (especially since they are so small and we will have production birds anyway), as they collect with that just induce these birds to go broody? It would be nice to reproduce my flock without an incubator. Anyone know? Thanks!

 

[PrairieChickens]

In my limited experience, hens go broody when they go broody. The presence or absence of eggs will neither encourage nor discourage them, and when they feel the time is right, they will sit even if there are no eggs to sit on.

I wouldn't worry too much about the banty eggs not being used... at my house, they're the preferred eggs for breakfasts, as we aren't eating our profits when we use them, and they are the perfect size for eggy in a basket.

 

[davidchickens]

Thanks!